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Punjab, UP, MP, Jharkhand Win Big on Day 1 of Sub-Junior Hockey Nationals

The 16th Hockey India Sub Junior Men National Championship 2026 commenced in Rajgir with decisive wins in Division A. Hockey Punjab, Uttar Pradesh Hockey, Hockey Madhya Pradesh, and Hockey Jharkhand all started their campaigns with victories. Uttar Pradesh's Shahrukh Ali delivered a phenomenal individual performance, scoring 11 goals in his team's 17-1 rout of Manipur. In Division B, Hockey Bengal and Hockey Arunachal also registered wins on the opening day.

Key Points: Day 1 Results: 16th Hockey India Sub Junior Men Nationals

  • Punjab beats Maharashtra 2-0
  • UP demolishes Manipur 17-1
  • MP wins 10-1 against Kerala
  • Jharkhand edges DNH&DD 1-0
2 min read

Punjab, Jharkhand, UP, MP secure wins in Division 'A' of 16th Hockey India Sub Junior Men National C'ship 2026

Hockey Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand secure victories in Division A on the opening day of the national championship in Rajgir.

"Shahrukh Ali scored 11 goals - Uttar Pradesh Hockey's standout performer"

Rajgir, April 5

The opening day of Division 'A' of the 16th Hockey India Sub Junior Men National Championship 2026 witnessed Hockey Punjab, Uttar Pradesh Hockey, Hockey Madhya Pradesh, and Hockey Jharkhand. Meanwhile, in Division 'B', Hockey Bengal and Hockey Arunachal registered wins at the Rajgir Sports Complex on Sunday.

In Pool A of Division A, Hockey Punjab secured a 2-0 win against Hockey Maharashtra. Sangat Singh (10') and Akash Deep (53') scored for the winners, according to a release.

In Pool C, Uttar Pradesh Hockey defeated Manipur Hockey 17-1. Shahrukh Ali (5', 22', 23', 24', 29', 33', 35', 36', 49, 49', 59') scored 11 goals, while Nitish Yadav (3', 18') scored a brace. Captain Kushwaha Ketan (6') and also Karan Dhanak (17') found the back of the net. For Manipur Hockey, Maibam Manimatum (14') scored their lone goal.

In Pool D, Hockey Madhya Pradesh registered a 10- 1 win over Kerala Hockey. Raiyan Ul Haq (5', 34', 36') scored a hat-trick, while Gazee Khan (49', 55'), Captain Ansh Bahutra (15'), Ayush Singh Lodhi (25'), Karan Gautam (37'), Deepak Singh (45'), Devraj Prajapat (52') also added to the goal tally for their side.

In Pool B, Hockey Jharkhand clinched a 1-0 win against Dadra & Nagar Haveli And Daman & Diu Hockey. Ashish Tani Purti (22') scored the only goal of the game.

In Pool A of Division B, Hockey Bengal registered an 18-0 win over Hockey Gujarat. Munna Kumar Singh (5', 27', 37', 49', 50', 55') scored six, while Sujal Turi (28', 32', 42') and Sujal Balmiki (57', 59', 60') bagged hat-tricks. Risav Ray (17', 24') and Ratan Bind (24', 29') scored braces, while Captain Riju Bar (28') and Abhishek Thakur (47') also contributed.

In Pool B of the same division, Hockey Arunachal got over the line with a 5-3 win against Chhattisgarh Hockey. Rajbhar Shubham (25', 33', 38'), Ashwani Patel (15') and Mohit Yadav (49') scored for the winners, while Om Kumar Yadav (27', 40') and Gopal Paikra (55') found the back of the net for Chhattisgarh Hockey.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Uttar Pradesh's 17-1 win is incredible, but honestly, such a huge scoreline raises questions about competitive balance in the pools. Shahrukh Ali scoring 11 goals is a phenomenal individual feat, but I hope the tournament structure ensures closer, more exciting matches for the development of all teams.
A
Aditya G
Jharkhand with a solid, gritty 1-0 win. Sometimes that's all you need. Ashish Tani Purti, the match-winner! Good to see talent emerging from the tribal belts as well. Hockey India is doing good work scouting talent from all regions.
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Priya S
Wow, Bengal with an 18-0 victory! Munna Kumar Singh scoring six goals is just mind-blowing. So much raw talent in our country. These tournaments are so important to find the next Dhyan Chand or Manpreet Singh. All the best to all teams!
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Karthik V
Heartening to see Arunachal Pradesh get a win in Division B! Often teams from the Northeast don't get enough coverage. Rajbhar Shubham with a hat-trick! Hope this inspires more kids in the region to take up hockey. 🇮🇳
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Michael C
The goal tallies are impressive, but I'm more interested in the skills and tactics on display. At this age, development is key. Hope the coaches are focusing on technique and teamwork, not just the scoreboard. Congrats to all the winners!

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